The Kindle Fire HD 8 is a budget-friendly tablet from Amazon that offers a larger display and better performance compared to the Fire HD 7. With an 8-inch HD display, 2GB of RAM, and access to a wide range of content and features, the Fire HD 8 is a versatile and affordable tablet that is perfect for everyday use.
In this review, we will explore the device’s design and build quality, display, performance, battery life, content and features, user experience, price, and how it compares to other similar products on the market.
Design and Build Quality – Is the Kindle Fire HD 8 sturdy and well-built? How does it feel in your hands? Does it have a good grip?
The Kindle Fire HD 8 has a sturdy and well-built design, with a plastic body that feels durable and can withstand daily use. The tablet is compact and lightweight, making it easy to hold for extended periods of time. The back of the device has a soft-touch finish that provides a good grip, which helps to prevent accidental drops. The device also has rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
The power and volume buttons are located on the top edge of the device, and they are easy to locate and press. The tablet also has a microSD card slot, which allows you to expand the storage capacity of the device.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is solid, and it feels like a well-built device that can withstand daily use. The soft-touch finish on the back provides a good grip, which helps to prevent accidental drops, and the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to hold for extended periods of time.
Display: Is the resolution of the Kindle Fire HD 8 sharp? Are colors vivid and accurate? Is the viewing angle good?
The Kindle Fire HD 8 has an 8-inch HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The display is sharp and clear, with vivid and accurate colors that make videos and photos look great. The viewing angle of the display is also good, with no noticeable color shifting when viewed from different angles.
The display has a brightness sensor that adjusts the brightness based on the ambient light in the room, which helps to conserve battery life and reduce eye strain. The screen also has a blue light filter, which can be activated to reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions.
Overall, the display of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is impressive for a budget tablet. The resolution is sharp, and the colors are vivid and accurate. The viewing angle is good, and the brightness sensor and blue light filter help to reduce eye strain during extended use.
Performance:
The Kindle Fire HD 8 is powered by a quad-core 2.0 GHz processor and 2GB of RAM, which provides smooth and responsive performance for most everyday tasks. The tablet loads apps and content quickly, and multitasking is handled well without any noticeable lag or freezing.
However, it is important to note that the performance of the device may start to slow down with heavy usage, such as running multiple demanding apps simultaneously or playing high-end games. In addition, the base model only comes with 32GB of storage, which may fill up quickly if you download a lot of apps or media.
Overall, the performance of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is impressive for a budget tablet. It handles most everyday tasks with ease and does not lag or freeze during normal use. However, heavy usage may cause the device to slow down, and the limited storage capacity may be a drawback for some users.
Battery Life: How long does it last on a single charge? Does it support fast charging?
The Kindle Fire HD 8 has a battery life of up to 12 hours of mixed-use, which is impressive for a budget tablet. The battery life will depend on how the device is used, but most users will be able to get a full day of use out of a single charge.
The device also supports fast charging, which allows you to charge the tablet quickly when you need to. With the included 5W power adapter, the device can be fully charged in approximately 6 hours, which is decent considering the battery size.
Overall, the battery life of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is impressive for a budget tablet, and the ability to support fast charging is a bonus for users who need to charge the device quickly.
Content and Features:
Does the Fire HD 8 have a wide range of apps and games available? Can it be used for reading books and magazines? Does it support streaming services like Netflix or Hulu?
The Kindle Fire HD 8 offers a wide range of content and features for users to enjoy. It has access to the Amazon Appstore, which offers a vast selection of apps and games for users to download and enjoy.
In addition, the device is great for reading books and magazines, with access to the Amazon Kindle store, which has a massive selection of e-books and magazines. The tablet also has a built-in blue light filter and adjustable font sizes, making it easier on the eyes for extended reading sessions.
The Kindle Fire HD 8 also supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, allowing users to watch their favorite shows and movies on the go. The tablet also features stereo speakers that provide good sound quality for watching videos or listening to music.
Another useful feature of the device is Alexa integration, which allows users to control smart home devices, set reminders, and ask questions using voice commands.
Overall, the Kindle Fire HD 8 offers a wide range of content and features that make it a great value for a budget tablet. It has access to a large selection of apps and games, is great for reading e-books and magazines, supports popular streaming services, and has Alexa integration for added convenience.
User Experience:
The user experience of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is generally positive, with an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and use. The tablet runs on Amazon’s custom Fire OS, which is based on Android, but with a unique look and feel.
The device features a home screen that is customizable, allowing users to add or remove apps and widgets as needed. The interface is easy to use and can be easily navigated using touch gestures.
The tablet also features a range of intuitive controls, including physical volume and power buttons, and on-screen controls that are easy to use. The interface is also customizable, allowing users to change the wallpaper and theme to suit their preferences.
One potential downside of the user experience is that the tablet is heavily tied to Amazon’s ecosystem, with limited access to Google apps and services. However, this is not necessarily a problem for users who primarily use Amazon services like Prime Video, Music, and Kindle.
Overall, the user experience of the Kindle Fire HD 8 is positive, with an intuitive interface, customizable controls, and a range of features that make it easy to use for most users.
Price:
The price of the Kindle Fire HD 8 varies depending on the storage capacity and whether or not the device has special offers. However, overall, the tablet is priced competitively, offering good value for money compared to similar devices on the market.
The device offers a range of features, including a high-resolution display, good performance, and access to a wide range of content, all at an affordable price point. This makes it an excellent choice for users who are looking for a budget-friendly tablet that can meet their needs for reading, browsing, and entertainment.
Additionally, Amazon often offers discounts and special deals on the Kindle Fire HD 8, making it even more affordable for those who are looking for a great deal. Overall, the Kindle Fire HD 8 offers a solid combination of features and affordability, making it an excellent choice for many users.
Comparison:
Compared to similar products on the market, the Kindle Fire HD 8 offers a compelling combination of affordability and performance. Some key competitors in the same category include the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0, the Lenovo Tab M8, and the Huawei MediaPad T5.
In terms of price, the Kindle Fire HD 8 is competitively priced, offering strong value for money compared to its competitors. The device also boasts a high-resolution display, good performance, and a range of content and features, including access to Amazon’s ecosystem of books, movies, TV shows, and apps.
While some of its competitors may offer more powerful hardware, the Kindle Fire HD 8 still delivers a strong performance for everyday use, including browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games. Its integration with Amazon’s ecosystem also makes it an attractive option for users who are heavily invested in that platform.
Overall, the Kindle Fire HD 8 stacks up well against its competitors, offering a strong balance of affordability and performance that should meet the needs of many users.
Kindle Fire HD 8 Pros and Cons
Pros:
Affordable price point
Good performance for everyday use
High-resolution display with vivid colors
Access to Amazon’s ecosystem of books, movies, TV shows, and apps
Good battery life
Dual speakers provide decent sound quality
Expandable storage with a microSD card
Cons:
Limited app selection compared to other platforms like iOS or Android
Some users may find the interface too heavily focused on Amazon’s ecosystem
The device may feel a bit heavy in the hand for extended use
Limited support for Google apps and services
Mediocre camera quality compared to other tablets
No headphone jack, requiring the use of an adapter or wireless headphones
